Job Description Summary
The Sr. Payroll Compliance Analyst is responsible for ensuring payroll operations comply with all applicable federal, state, and local tax regulations, as well as multi-state payroll requirements. This role serves as the subject matter expert on payroll tax and compliance matters, overseeing regulatory adherence, supporting audits, and driving process improvements to mitigate risk and ensure accurate, timely payroll execution across all jurisdictions.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight (35%)
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and regulations.
- Monitor and interpret legislative and regulatory changes impacting payroll compliance, including multi-state taxation rules.
- Oversee end-to-end payroll tax processes, including withholding, reporting, filing, and remittance.
- Maintain compliance with wage and hour laws, garnishment regulations, and other statutory requirements.
Multi-State & Tax Expertise (25%)
- Serve as the internal expert on multi-state payroll taxation, including nexus, reciprocity agreements, and remote workforce implications.
- Partner with HR, Legal, and Finance to ensure proper tax setup for employees working across multiple jurisdictions.
- Research and resolve complex tax issues, including employee inquiries and discrepancies.
Audit & Risk Management (15%)
- Lead payroll tax audits and respond to inquiries from federal, state, and local agencies.
- Identify compliance risks and implement corrective actions to mitigate exposure.
- Maintain documentation and audit trails to support regulatory compliance.
Reporting & Reconciliation (15%)
- Reconcile payroll tax accounts and ensure accurate reporting (e.g., Forms W-2, 941, state filings).
- Execute quarterly and annual compliance reporting requirements, including multi-worksite reports, Bureau of Labor Statistics submissions, paid family medical leave reporting to vendors, and mandatory state workers compensation reporting and audit support.
- Analyze payroll data and generate reports to identify trends, discrepancies, and compliance gaps.
- Ensure timely and accurate year-end processing and reporting.
Process Improvement & Systems (5%)
- Evaluate and improve payroll processes to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
- Collaborate with Payroll manager and our Global HR Systems team to ensure systems are configured correctly for tax and compliance requirements.
- Support payroll system implementations, upgrades, and testing related to compliance changes.
Stakeholder Support & Training (5%)
- Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders on payroll compliance matters.
- Provide guidance and training to payroll staff on regulatory changes and best practices.
- Partner cross-functionally to support business initiatives impacting payroll compliance.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
- 6– 12 years of experience in payroll tax and compliance, with a strong focus on multi-state payroll.
- In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
- Experience managing payroll audits and regulatory inquiries.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
Preferred
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
- Experience with large-scale payroll systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, UKG).
- Knowledge of global payroll compliance is a plus.
- Experience supporting remote or distributed workforce tax compliance.
Key Competencies
- Expertise in payroll tax compliance and multi-state regulations
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Ability to manage complex, high-risk compliance scenarios
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Continuous improvement mindset
This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company. 
